PDSA examples

We have concentrated on a collection of PDSA cycles that are relatively small in focus
and time span, to emphasise the importance of small, rapid tests of change. Many of
these examples come from early team experiences using the Model for Improvement.
All of the examples are real. The variation in format of documentation reflects
different formats used by teams over the past three years.

Each of the detailed examples meets the basic requirements for a PDSA cycle:
 The activity was planned, including a plan for collecting data.
 The plan was attempted
 Time was set aside to analyze the data and study the results
 Action was rationally based on what was learned.

Example 1

Example 1: Self-Management: Development of a Self-Management form, Part 1

PURPOSE OF CYCLE: To choose a patient self-management goal sheet for tracking and
inclusion into our chart.

PLAN:

THE CHANGE:

What are we testing? Our intent is to test two different patient self-management goal
sheets to determine which is the more functional. One of these forms is a check off form
with the ten (10) top goals listed, while the other requires the patient to actually choose and
write down their own goals.

Who are we testing the change on? We are going to initially test these on one patient each
at their next visit.

When are we testing? The next two patient visits which will occur the week of 15/07/02.

Where are we testing? The test will be conducted at our facility.

PREDICTION:

What do we expect to happen? We expect to be able to determine which form our clinical
champion, nurse and patients prefer to use to set patient self-management goals.
 DATA:

What data do we need to collect? Subjective findings from the provider and nurse stating
which form they prefer to use as well as discussion with patients who are filling out the
form.

Who will collect the data? Clinical champion.

When will the data be collected? Immediately after the second patient visit the provider
and nurse will discuss the two different forms and give their conclusions.

Where will the data be collected? The provider and nurse will make the decision at the
facility after reviewing the forms.

DO:

What was actually tested? We tested two different forms.

What happened? We employed the forms with the first two diabetic patients that we saw.
We had them fill out both forms and then asked them which they preferred. Both patients
chose the same form.

Observations? As it turned out both patients chose the same form that our clinical
champion and nurse preferred. The general consensus was that the form which required
them to simply check off their goals was preferable to the one which actually made them
write them down.

Problems? No real problems were encountered other than some mild patient resistance to
the idea of having to fill out another piece of paper, however, this was quickly alleviated
with the explanation of the concept of self-management.

STUDY: Complete analysis of data, summarize what was LEARNED, compare data to
predictions

Our initial feeling was that the patients would prefer a form which did not require them to
write a lot of information down. Rather we felt that they would prefer to have a form which
would allow them to simply check off their goals. We found that they actually preferred a
combination of the two forms. One which both allowed them to check off goals or write
down anything not listed that they felt was important.
ACT:

What changes should we make before the next cycle? We will be changing the form to
allow space for those patients who do want to write in a goal to be able to do so.

What will the next test be? We will be utilising the selected form with the next five diabetic
patients from our registry.

End of Example 1

Senior Leader report: We tested two different self-management goal sheets with
two patients. We learned that we should combine features from the two sheets;
patients were interested in self-management approach. We will revise the form and
test on the next five patients.

Example 2: Self-Management Development of a Self-Management Form, Part 2

PURPOSE OF CYCLE: To further test our choice of a diabetes self-management form and
select the one we will continue to use.

PLAN:

THE CHANGE:

What are we testing? We had previously tested two diabetes self-management forms on
two patients and chose the one which our clinical champion, nurse and patients all
preferred. We then made changes to the form based upon patient input by adding space for
them to write down their own goals if they so chose. We are now testing this new form.

Who are we testing the change on? We are testing this form on the next five diabetic
patients we see.

When are we testing? We will be testing during the week of 22/07/02 – 26/07/02 on the
first five diabetic patients seen.

Where are we testing? Testing is being conducted at the facility.

PREDICTION:

What do we expect to happen? We expect to choose the final form of our patient diabetes
self-management goal setting form.
 DATA:

What data do we need to collect? The observations of patients, provider and nursing staff
about whether the patients perceived the forms to be useful as well as how they felt about
taking the time to go over them and fill them out.

Who will collect the data? Our provider champion and the nursing member of the team.

When will the data be collected? Immediately following each patient visit the provider and
the nurse will discuss the patient reaction to the form.

Where will the data be collected? At our facility.

DO:

What was actually tested? A refinement of a previously tested diabetes patient self-
management goal setting form.

What happened? Each patient (5 total) was given a form to set goals for the self-
management of their disease. The idea of self-management was explained to them and they
were asked to fill out the form setting goals for their active participation in their care. The
forms were then signed by both the patient and provider. The original was placed in the
patient’s chart and they were given a copy to take with them.

Observations? Patients seemed to react positively to the idea of setting goals particularly
when the idea of patient self-management was explained to them. They readily filled out
the forms and actively participated in the self-management discussions.

Problems? No real problems were encountered during this test.

STUDY: Complete analysis of data, summarize what was LEARNED, compare data to
predictions

We found that patients were very receptive to the idea of self-management goal setting
after the concept was explained to them. They would actively participate in discussions
about various goals and would try to set realistic goals for themselves. Our initial feeling
when we started the process is that patients might be somewhat resistant to filling out
another form, however, this was not the case.
ACT:

What changes should we make before the next cycle? No further changes to the form are
anticipated in the immediate future. The next step will involve how the information will be
placed in the chart so as to be useful and readily reviewed.

What will the next test be? The next test will involve integration of this form into the
patient medical record. A decision will be made as to exactly where in the chart the form
should be kept.

___________________________________________________
End of Example 2

Senior Leader report: We tested a revised self-management goal form with five
patients. All five patients understood the form and reacted positively to the self-
management approach. We will next test how to integrate information from the
form into patient charts.

Example 3: Decision Support: Development of Assessment Form

August 21, 2001

PDSA Cycle 1: Finding an asthma assessment form for our providers.

Objective:
Our objective is to find an asthma assessment flow sheet to use for assessing our asthma
patients. We are looking for a form that is easy to follow, is inclusive of all selected
measures, and that will provide medical staff with pertinent medical information when
assessing asthma patients.

PLAN:

Questions:
Is the Hill Health Centre asthma assessment form appropriate to use in our health center?

Predictions:
We may need to modify the form, as it looks too crowded and cumbersome.

Plan for change or test:

Any asthma patient seen by our pilot team on Monday 20/08/01 or Tuesday 21/08/01 will
be assessed using the Hill Health Centre form. The provider assessing the patient will then
provide feedback about the form used. Although our collaborative is initially based in the
 school based health centres, our test will be done at the main clinic site, as school is not yet
in session.

Plan for collection of data:

The provider using the assessment form will evaluate the form and will record their thoughts
and suggestions. Team members will then consider all comments.

DO:

On 21/08/01 M., a nurse case manager and team member used the Hill Health Centre form
to evaluate an asthma patient. She documented her concerns and suggestions with the
form.

STUDY:

This form will need to be revised for future use with our patients. Comments about the form
included the following:
1. Vital signs and lung function tests section of the form could be replaced by the vital sign
stamp that is already part of the charting system used by our health center.
2. The form does not provide enough space for notes or questions.
3. Some questions seem too specific while others lack direction, ex. Current Medication
section does not ask about specific types of medications being used (i.e. steroids), does
not have enough space, and does not address other medications that the patient may be
taking concurrently.
4. It would be helpful if the form had a section to address any active issues since last visit,
as well as including the date of last visit.
5. The treatment at visit section could be modified by deleting the current information and
having the provider simply fill in what treatment, if any, was provided.

ACT:

We have determined that the Hill Health Centre form tested will not meet the needs of our
providers. All team members have been provided with the comments and suggestions made
about the form, and have been charged with redesigning the current form. At our meeting
next week we will select one of the revised forms to run a new PDSA cycle on in an effort to
find the most convenient form for all providers.
_____________________
End of Example 3

Senior Leader Report: We tested an assessment form from Hill Health

Centre on one patient seen 21/8. We need to change the format to allow
more room for notes and to add information requested by our providers.
We will redesign the form and test it again the week of 27/8.